Australia issues warning on Hong Kong's dirty air

Yahoo News 24 Mar 09;

HONG KONG (AFP) – Australia has issued a new health alert to travellers, warning that Hong Kong's bad air could aggravate some medical conditions.

The updated advice on the Department of Foreign Affairs website said "levels of air pollution in Hong Kong may aggravate bronchial, sinus or asthma conditions".

"People with existing heart or respiratory illnesses should reduce physical exertion and outdoor activities on days when very high pollution levels are recorded."

The new advice was added Monday, a spokeswoman for the Australian consulate in Hong Kong told AFP.

Hong Kong's air quality has come under increasing scrutiny in recent years, as pollution belched out of factories in neighbouring southern China has regularly shrouded the city in a thick haze.

Business groups and campaigners have said the toxic air threatens the financial hub's ability to attract and retain top international talent.

The government is currently reviewing the city's air quality targets, which were last revised 20 years ago.